The 28th annual Bravo Italiano Festival has moved back to its old stomping grounds, the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds Arena, after last year’s switch to the Dulles State Office Building.

The festival also has moved back to its traditional month of September but moves to the second weekend, on Sept. 14 and 15, instead of the month’s first weekend, when it was traditionally held until last year.

Last year, the festival, sponsored by the Italian American Civic Association, was held on the first weekend of October at the Dulles State Office Building to give the festival room “to spread out.” The October date was picked to move it closer to Columbus Day.

The main reason for the move back to the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds Arena is because of the construction going on at the parking garage at the Dulles State Office Building, said Dominic A. Doldo of the Civic Association. The $1 million project is expected to be completed around November.

“We thought it would be best for the general public if we had it at a more convenient location,” Mr. Doldo said.

The event was moved to September again because in October the fairgrounds Arena begins its season as an ice arena for skaters.

The second weekend of September was chosen this year to avoid a conflict with the Black River Fall Festival, which takes place Saturday in downtown Watertown.

The schedule of the Bravo Italiano Festival:

Sept. 14

5:30 p.m. doors open.

6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies.

7 to 9:30 p.m.: Miss Italia Pageant and the Russell Faunce Show.

9:30 to 11 p.m.: the Cory Grant Show at the food court stage.

Sept. 15

9 a.m.: Bocce tournament at the association’s facility at 192 Bellew Ave.

Noon: Doors open and the Pasta Run begins.

1 p.m.: Canoli contest for kids.

2 p.m.: Magic show.

3 p.m.: Italian dancers.

5:30 p.m.: Catholic Mass.

6:30 p.m.: Franco Galillie Show.

Admission to the festival is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under; $2 for members of the military and $5 for military families.

Annual raffle: This year, the raffle prizes are:

First prize: Overnight lodging and breakfast for two at Riveredge Motel, Alexandria Bay.

Second prize: Travel Wise bus trip to Saratoga and lunch for two.

Third prize: Jefferson County wine tour for two by Clarence Coach Lines.

Raffle tickets are available at the club or on the nights of the festival. Or call the club at 782-1080 to purchase tickets.

Food will include: linguine with clams, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, stuffed shells, gnocchi, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, half hot peppers, pasta fagioli, sausage subs, meatball subs, pizza, fried dough, homemade Italian cookies/pastries, wine, beer and soda.

For more information, see the Italian-American Club website, http://iacawatertown.com/

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